ÖBB Rail Cargo Group Earns Gold Status in EcoVadis Sustainability Rating for Fourth Consecutive Year

ÖBB Rail Cargo Group Earns Gold Status in EcoVadis Sustainability Rating for Fourth Consecutive Year

(IN BRIEF) ÖBB Rail Cargo Group (RCG) has been ranked in the top 5% of companies globally in the EcoVadis sustainability rating, earning EcoVadis Gold status for the fourth consecutive year. RCG excelled in environmental sustainability, labor, and human rights, exceeding legal requirements with initiatives focused on reclaimed materials, diversity, equal pay, and non-discriminatory hiring practices. The company also earned an “Advanced” rating in the newly introduced Carbon Scorecard, which evaluates efforts to reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. With operations across 18 countries, RCG remains a key player in sustainable rail freight transport in Europe.

(PRESS RELEASE) VIENNA, 10-Jan-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — ÖBB Rail Cargo Group (RCG) has earned a prestigious place among the top 5% of companies worldwide in the EcoVadis sustainability rating, a significant recognition that underscores its commitment to sustainable practices. For the fourth consecutive year, RCG has been awarded EcoVadis Gold status, positioning it as a leader in the rail logistics sector. The company outperforms 99% of its peers in the industry, a testament to its ongoing efforts to prioritize sustainability within its operations. According to Clemens Först, CEO of RCG, the accolade not only acknowledges past achievements but also drives the company’s future initiatives. “As the sustainable logistical backbone of Europe’s economy, we are investing in the future of rail freight with an eye on greater efficiency, flexibility, and easier access to rail systems,” Först said.

RCG’s exceptional performance in environmental sustainability, labor, and human rights has been a focal point of this recognition. The company has implemented initiatives that go well beyond legal obligations, focusing on the use of reclaimed materials and championing diversity, equality, and inclusion. Notably, RCG has taken targeted actions to prevent discrimination during recruitment, along with a focus on equal pay across the organization.

An added feature to this year’s EcoVadis assessment is the Carbon Scorecard, which evaluates the management of climate protection measures and strategies to reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. RCG has earned the “Advanced” rating for its efforts in this area, particularly through energy efficiency training for employees and the adoption of modern software solutions to optimize logistics operations.

EcoVadis, a globally recognized sustainability standard, is used by over 130,000 companies worldwide to assess corporate social responsibility and sustainability practices. RCG’s outstanding performance reflects its ongoing dedication to sustainable procurement, labor rights, and environmental stewardship, helping to set a standard in the rail transport sector.

About ÖBB Rail Cargo Group
As a leading provider of rail logistics in Europe, ÖBB Rail Cargo Group operates 365 days a year, connecting people, businesses, and markets across 18 countries. The group transports over 78 million net tonnes of freight annually, with 419,000 trains reaching their destinations safely, supported by its team of 5,912 logistics professionals.

ÖBB
ÖBB has been shaping mobility in Austria for 100 years. As a comprehensive mobility and logistics service provider, ÖBB transported a total of 494 million passengers and over 78 million tonnes of freight to their destinations in an environmentally friendly manner in 2023. This is thanks to the electricity for trains and stations being generated entirely from renewable energy sources. With a punctuality rate of 95% in passenger transport, ÖBB is one of the most punctual railway operators in Europe. ÖBB invests more than 4.5 billion euros annually in railway infrastructure and its fleet as part of its drive to build a railway system fit for the future. Across the Group, over 43,000 bus and rail employees and about 2,000 apprentices ensure that around 1.4 million passengers reach their destination safely every day. ÖBB is the backbone of the Austrian public transport system and, as Austria’s largest climate protection company in the mobility and logistics sector, gets people and freight to their destinations safely and in an environmentally friendly manner. The strategic lead company of the group is ÖBB-Holding AG.

Media Contact:

Maria Magdalena Pavitsich
Spokesperson
ÖBB-Holding AG
Tel: +43 664 88836 400
mariamagdalena.pavitsich@oebb.at
www.oebb.at

SOURCE: ÖBB-Holding AG